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Chicken and Rice with Broccoli

A simple and nutritious Chicken and Rice with Broccoli recipe that blends proteins, grains, and vegetables, perfect for busy families.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cooking Fat
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil Choose your preferred fat for cooking.
Aromatics
  • 1 small onion (or 2 shallots), minced Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
Protein
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes Provides high-quality protein.
Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence A burst of flavor.
  • 1.5 teaspoons coarse kosher salt Necessary for enhancing all flavors.
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Adds a hint of spice.
Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati) The base of your meal; these options cook fluffy.
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth Adds moisture and enhances flavor.
Creaminess
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces Incredibly creamy texture for your dish.
  • 16 ounces chopped frozen broccoli, thawed For convenience and nutrition.
  • 4 ounces shredded Colby jack, Monterey Jack, or another mild melting cheese A delightful cheesy finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter or heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Cooking Chicken
  1. Layer in the chicken cubes and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly no longer pink and has a bit of color.
Combine Rice and Broth
  1. Stir in the rice and pour in the broth, bringing it to a simmer over high heat. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Carefully remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese and thawed broccoli. Cook for a few moments until the cream cheese is completely melted.
  2. Sprinkle your chosen cheese over the rice, cover, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving
  1. Turn off the heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

This Chicken and Rice with Broccoli dish is a complete meal but can also be served with a salad or bread. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or beans. Use fresh broccoli for better texture, and feel free to spice it up with red pepper flakes.